Stuck in ZRH due to cancellation - quick questions
Dec 14, 2022, 8:14 am
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: DL DM 2MM, Marriott LT Titanium, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 15,241
Just an update, I called Delta one last time and was successful in getting on the last flight out of ZRH that would still get me home today. ZRH-EWR-IAD on Swiss and United. Even managed to keep J/F cabins. It took 5 phone calls and about 3 hours of phone time, mostly on hold for global support, to get this resolved. Did I just get unlucky having to fight so hard for a same day routing on Star Alliance flights, or was I just lucky to get this option at all? Hopefully it doesnt mess up my ORC request for MQDs.
Never ended up booking a hotel thankfully, thanks to all here for the great suggestions.
Never ended up booking a hotel thankfully, thanks to all here for the great suggestions.
Dec 14, 2022, 8:33 am
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2011
Programs: Delta DM, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,496
The Swiss check-in agent at ZRH told me he also works the Delta check-in counter, and he shared with me that Delta was able to use the ZRH-EWR flight because the loads were so light yesterday (our A330 had about 100 passengers total, and J had about 10 open seats by my count). Originally the phone agent told me global support could only book me in Y, which I agreed to, but then once it was ticketed she said he was actually get me booked in business. That was a nice bonus, because Swiss business class is pretty nice. The Swiss agent also mentioned that the Delta flight was cancelled because a pilot called in sick, which someone else mentioned above.
Dec 14, 2022, 5:16 pm
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 27,121
No EU261, since I arrived less than 1 hour after originally scheduled and in the original class of service. I did arrive to the wrong airport (IAD vs DCA), but I don't think that's worthy of a claim. I much preferred getting home last night to any possible comp. Delta did send me a text saying Customer Care would reach out with some kind of customer service gesture.
The Swiss check-in agent at ZRH told me he also works the Delta check-in counter, and he shared with me that Delta was able to use the ZRH-EWR flight because the loads were so light yesterday (our A330 had about 100 passengers total, and J had about 10 open seats by my count). Originally the phone agent told me global support could only book me in Y, which I agreed to, but then once it was ticketed she said he was actually get me booked in business. That was a nice bonus, because Swiss business class is pretty nice. The Swiss agent also mentioned that the Delta flight was cancelled because a pilot called in sick, which someone else mentioned above.
The Swiss check-in agent at ZRH told me he also works the Delta check-in counter, and he shared with me that Delta was able to use the ZRH-EWR flight because the loads were so light yesterday (our A330 had about 100 passengers total, and J had about 10 open seats by my count). Originally the phone agent told me global support could only book me in Y, which I agreed to, but then once it was ticketed she said he was actually get me booked in business. That was a nice bonus, because Swiss business class is pretty nice. The Swiss agent also mentioned that the Delta flight was cancelled because a pilot called in sick, which someone else mentioned above.
Dec 15, 2022, 5:08 am
#21
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2011
Programs: Delta DM, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,496
Most cases DL will downgrade to Y if using GUC and rebooking to non-partber. However due to EC261, flights ex-EU/Switzerland/UK they will rebook in J. (For day of IRROP only) Otherwise they're on hook for downgrade compensation, on top of needing return the GUC. However most agents have no clue about EC261 (aka UK261 in UK) and will insist on downgrade. This of course assumes no AF/KL/DL combo will work.
I did get my ORC (about $740 MQDs) about an hour after requesting by phone, so it was a nice surprise I didnt have to call multiple times for that.